Apparel access passage for cords and wiring

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for an apparel access passage. A device may include one or more top panels, one or more bottom panels, and one or more hinges coupling the one or more top panels to the one or more bottom panels. One or more fasteners may be coupled to at least one of the one or more top panels and the one or more bottom panels. One or more apertures may pass through at least one of the one or more hinges, the one or more top panels, and the one or more bottom panels.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of clothing, and, more specifically, to clothing components.

BACKGROUND

As technology continues to evolve, more devices are becoming portable. For example, the development of cellular phones, personal digital assistants, portable music devices, etc. allowed consumers to take phone calls, emails, music, etc. wherever they travel. As popularity of these technologies increases, these devices become more important in daily routines.

Consumers now frequently transport and use portable devices while working, commuting, shopping, traveling, exercising, etc. The increase in portability of these devices has led designers and manufacturers to change how they appeal to technology savvy consumers. In general, consumers look for hassle-free ways to transport portable devices that allow for efficient use of the devices. This includes ways to utilize the devices while on the move, without becoming entangled in attachments such as headphones, wires and cords. For example, consumers may purchase special carrying cases for easy access, shirts with accessible pockets for carrying the devices, and specifically designed headphones that reduce the amount of movement of the cords attaching to the portable devices.

Consumer concerns about portability are especially apparent when exercising. During exercise, headphone cords may drape across shoulders, chests, and backs. Designers and manufacturers have attempted to address these issues with, for example, attachments and headphones that secure the cords to the clothing or fabrics worn by the person exercising. This is sometimes nothing more than a special type of clip or a weighting device that uses gravity to hold the cords down. Needs exist for cord and wire management systems for portable devices.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the apparel access passage for cords and wiring may provide methods and/or systems having beneficial features that make them optimal for use in certain situations, such as exercising.

Embodiments may include systems and methods an apparel access passage. A device may include one or more top panels, one or more bottom panels, and one or more hinges coupling the one or more top panels to the one or more bottom panels. One or more fasteners may be coupled to at least one of the one or more top panels and the one or more bottom panels. One or more apertures may pass through at least one of the one or more hinges, the one or more top panels, and the one or more bottom panels. A method may include providing the device, passing cords or wires through the one or more apertures, and securing the one or more fasteners.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form further described below in the detailed description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention are set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a device with hook and loop fasteners, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a device with button fasteners, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a device with snap fasteners, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top panel view of the device in a closed position, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a fastener end view of the device illustrated in FIG. 4, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a hinge end view of the device illustrated in FIG. 4, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a top edge side view of the device illustrated in FIG. 4, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a device in a closed position, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a device in use on an article of clothing, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention may include systems and methods for apparel access passage by cords and wiring. Cords and wiring may be suitably contained during use of a portable device to minimize disturbance of the consumer and entanglement of the cords and wiring. In the following description, use of headphones and cords are described for portable music devices. The description of portable music devices is merely for illustrative purposes, and one of skill in the art would understand that embodiments of the present invention may be used for other types of devices, such as, but not limited to, earpieces for cellular phones, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, certain embodiments of the apparel access passage device 11 may include one or more top panels 13 and one or more bottom panels 15. One or more hinges 17 may connect the one or more top panels 13 to the one or more bottom panels 15. The term “one or more hinges” may refer to a region where the device 11 is folded and not exclusively the actual hinge element. Preferably, the one or more top panels 13 and the one or more bottom panels 15 may be constructed of a flexible material, such as cotton, nylon, polyester, plastic, and combinations thereof. The device 11 may be constructed of a similar fabric as an article of clothing. The one or more top panels 13, one or more bottom panels 15, and the one or more hinges 17 may be made of a single piece of material. In these situations, the one or more hinges 17 may be a fold in the material. Alternatively, the one or more hinges 17 may be a separate hinge device such as a barrel hinge, living hinge, etc. In other embodiments, the one or more top panels 13 and the one or more bottom panels 15 may be made of rigid or semi-rigid materials. The one or more top panels 13 and the one or more bottom panels 15 do not have to be constructed of the same materials. The one or more top panels 13 and the one or more bottom panels 15 may have any shape. Preferably, the one or more top panels and the one or more bottom panels 15 have corresponding shapes such that when the device 11 is closed, the footprint of the one or more top panels 13 match the footprint of the one or more bottom panels 15. Dimensions of the device 11 may be varied depending on particular uses. For example, the device 11 size may be adjusted accordingly to small children's clothing and larger in size for adult sized clothing. The In certain embodiments, the one or more bottom panels 15 may be integral with an article of clothing. Therefore, the one or more hinges 17 may couple the one or more top panels 13 to the article of clothing. In other embodiments, the device 11 may be sewn, glued, adhered, etc. to the article of clothing. An inner surface 35 of at least one of the one or more top panels or the one or more bottom panels may include a frictional surface 37. The frictional surface may prevent unwanted sliding of the cords or wires. The frictional surface may be a pad constructed of rubber, plastic, etc.

One or more fasteners 19 may provide closure of the device 11. In certain embodiments, the one or more fasteners may include complementary fasteners on the one or more top panels 13 and the one or more bottom panels 15. As shown in FIG. 1, the one or more fasteners 19 are hook and loop fasteners that line up when the device 11 is closed by a user. The one or more fasteners 19 may be sewn, glued, etc. or otherwise adhered to the one or more top panels 13 and the one or more bottom panels 15.

As shown in FIG. 2, the one or more fasteners 19 may be a button 21 and a corresponding button hole 23. The button 21 and the button hole 23 may be on either the one or more top panels 13 or the one or more bottom panels 15. As shown in FIG. 3, the one or more fasteners 19 may be a male snap fitting 25 and a female snap fitting 27. The male snap fitting 25 and the female snap fitting 27 may be on either the one or more top panels 13 or the one or more bottom panels 15. Other types of fasteners may be used.

One or more apertures 29 may pass through the device 11, or part of device 11. The one or more apertures 29 may allow passage of cords or wires from one side of an article of clothing to another. Preferably, the one or more apertures 29 may allow passage of cords or wires from inside to outside or the opposite. In certain embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the one or more apertures 29 may pass through the one or more hinges 17. In other embodiments, the one or more apertures 29 may pass through the one or more top panels 13, and/or the one or more bottom panels 15. In certain embodiments, the one or more apertures 29 may be reinforced 31, such as with thread. Preferably, the one or more apertures are sized to allow passage of cords, wires and earpieces. In certain embodiments, the one or more apertures 29 may substantially align with one or more openings in an article of clothing. In these embodiments, the one or apertures 29 and the one or more openings may be sewn, glued, adhered, etc. together to provide a continuous passage between the inside and outside of the article of clothing. In these embodiments, the one or more apertures 29 may be rectangular or other shaped openings that surround the one or more openings in the article of clothing, such as a button hole. In another embodiment, the aperture 29 may be part of the article of clothing with hinge 17 constructed around, sewn around, or positioned around the aperture 29.

To operate the device 11, a user may insert one or more cords or wires 33 through the one or more apertures 29 and fastening the one or more fasteners 19. FIG. 4 shows a top view of the device 11 in a closed position. FIG. 5 shows a fastener end view of the device 11 illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 shows a hinge end view of the device 11 illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 shows a top edge side view of the device 11 illustrated in FIG. 4.

Closure of the device 11, may secure the cords or wires 33 between the one or more top panels 13 and the one or more bottom panels 15, as shown in FIG. 8. This may prevent unwanted movement of the cords or wires 33 relative to an article of clothing 37.

FIG. 9 illustrates the device 11 in use on an article of clothing 37. Articles of clothing 37 may include, but are not limited to, shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets, pants, shorts, etc. The device may be located on a sleeve, chest, back or any other location of an article of clothing. Preferably, embodiments of the present invention do not include a pocket or storage component for the portable device. Embodiments of the present invention may only allow for passage of wires or cords through the device 11. The portable devices may be stored in pockets, pouches, arm bands, etc.

The above-described exemplary embodiments of a system and method are presented for illustrative purposes only. While this invention is satisfied by embodiments in many different forms, it is understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as exemplary and is not intended to limit the described systems and methods to the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein. In view of this written description, numerous variations may be made by persons skilled in the art without departure from the spirit of this description. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above. The scope of the invention will be measured by the appended claims and their equivalents. The summary, abstract and the title are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claims, as their purpose is to enable the appropriate authorities, as well as the general public, to quickly determine the general nature of the described systems and methods. In the claims that follow, unless the term “means” is used, none of the features or elements recited therein should be construed as means-plus-function limitations pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. 

1. An apparel access passage system comprising: one or more top panels; one or more bottom panels; one or more hinges coupling the one or more top panels to the one or more bottom panels; one or more fasteners coupled to at least one of the one or more top panels and the one or more bottom panels; and one or more apertures passing through at least one of the one or more hinges, the one or more top panels, and the one or more bottom panels.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more bottom panels are integral with an article of clothing.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hinges are folds in a continuous piece of material comprising the one or more top panels, the one or more hinges and the one or more bottom panels.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more fasteners are hook and loop closures.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more fasteners are snaps.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more fasteners are buttons.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more apertures are reinforced.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more apertures correspond to one or more apertures in an article of clothing.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of at least one of the one or more top panels or the one or more bottom panels comprises a frictional surface.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the frictional surface is a rubber pad.
 11. An apparel access passage method comprising: providing a device comprising: one or more top panels; one or more bottom panels; one or more hinges coupling the one or more top panels to the one or more bottom panels; one or more fasteners coupled to at least one of the one or more top panels and the one or more bottom panels; and one or more apertures passing through at least one of the one or more hinges, the one or more top panels, and the one or more bottom panels; inserting one or more cords or wires through the one or more apertures; and fastening the one or more fasteners.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more bottom panels are integral with an article of clothing.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more hinges are folds in a continuous piece of material comprising the one or more top panels, the one or more hinges and the one or more bottom panels.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more fasteners are hook and loop closures.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more fasteners are snaps.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more fasteners are buttons.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more apertures are reinforced.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more apertures correspond to one or more apertures in an article of clothing.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein an inner surface of at least one of the one or more top panels or the one or more bottom panels comprises a frictional surface.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the frictional surface is a rubber pad. 